Ballet Terms | Dance Terminology | Atlanta Ballet Home » Ballet Resources » Ballet Terms and Positions Ballet Terms and Positions Have you ever wondered what all those French words are that you hear floating around at the ballet? If you're new to the ballet or would like to learn more about ballet, stick around and take a quick lesson on some of the words the dancers use on a daily basis. Glossary of Ballet Terms Classical Ballet - a traditional style of ballet which stresses the academic technique developed through the centuries of the existence of ballet. Modern Ballet - a type of ballet from the twentieth century. To this day, modern ballet looks to re-invent itself and reach out in an ever-increasing facet of creation and movement. Ballerina - a female dancer in a ballet company. Danseur - a male dancer in a ballet company. Choreographer - a person who composes or invents ballets or dances. Ballet master or Ballet mistress - a person in a ballet company whose job is to give the daily company class and to rehearse the ballets in the company repertoire. Choreography - describes the steps, combinations and patterns of a ballet or dance. Balletomane (bal lay toe mane) - A ballet fan or enthusiast.

Pointe shoes - The satin ballet shoes used by dancers when dancing on their pointes (toes). Pointe shoes are reinforced with a box constructed of numerous layers of strong glue in between layers of material. Pointe shoes are not made of cement or wood. Tutu - the short classical ballet skirt made of many layers of net. A romantic tutu is a long net skirt reaching below the calf. Pas de deux - a dance for two. Adagio (u da zhe-o) - is a succession of slow, soft, lyrical and continuous movements. Adagio creates the illusion that the positions flow from one into another. Allegro (a leg grow) - allegro in ballet involves fast and dynamic movements, usually jumping steps and sequences. Barre - a horizontal bar (usually made of wood) along a studio wall for class exercises. Every ballet class begins with barre exercises. Centre practice - a group of exercises similar to those at the barre but performed in the center of the room. These exercises are done without the support of the barre and are normally performed with alternate feet.

Ballet Positions Arabesque (Ah rah besk) - a position on one leg with the other leg raised behind the body and extended in a straight line. Attitude (ah tea tude) - A variation on the arabesque. The extended leg is raised behind the body but bent at the knee at an angle of 90 degrees. Assemblé (assam blay) - Lifting off the floor on one leg, and landing on two. Legs assemble at the same time and return to fifth position. Croisé (quo say) - A dancer stands with legs crossed at an angle to the audience. The disengaged leg may be crossed in the front or in the back. Grande Jeté (grand jeh tay) - a big jump from one foot to the other in which the working leg is brushed into the air and appears to have been thrown. Plié (plee ay) - means bent, bending - of the knee or knees. Turn-out - The dancer turns his or her feet and legs out from the hip joints to a 90-degree position.

Pirouette (peer o wet) - a rotation or spin - a complete turn of the body on one foot, on point or demi-pointe (half- pointe). Tour en l'air (tour on lair) - a turn in the air - usually a male dancer's step, although ballerinas may do them to depending on the choreography. Ballet Terms Online - Dictionary of basic Ballet moves Adage, Adagio [French: a-DAHZH] Adage means “slow, sustained” movement and has two meanings in Ballet: 1st meaning: A series of movements following the centre practice, consisting of slow and graceful movements which may be simple or complex, performed with as much fluidity and ease as possible. This helps the dancer build strength and control as the movements are slow. The steps may include attitude, arabesque, développé, grande rond de jambe, and plié, and others. 2nd meaning: The opening section of the classical pas de deux, in which the ballerina is partnered by a male partner. Together they perform slow movements in which the male partner lifts, supports or carries the lady.

The lady dancer will usually perform développés, pirouettes, arabesques and more. Air, en l’ [ahn lehr] In the air In the air means that a movement will be made in the air. For example, rond de jambe en l’air. And that the working leg will be raised to a horizontal position with the toe on the level of the hip. Allégro [a-lay-GROH; Italian: al-LAY-groh] In Ballet terms, Allegro means fast, lively movements and jumps. All steps of elevation such as the sautés, jetés, entrechat, cabriole, assemblé and others are under this classification. The dancers must show smooth and light movements to make it look right. Arabesque [a-ra-BESK] Arabesque is one of the most popular basic Ballet moves. It is a position supported on one leg, which can be straight or in demi-plié, with the other leg extended behind and at right angles to it, and the arms held in various positions creating the longest possible lines from the fingertips outward. It can be found in almost every classical and modern Ballet today.

Watch video: Arabesque Video Arrière, en [ah na-RYEHR] Means to go backward. Used to indicate that a step is executed moving away from the audience. Assemblé [a-sahn-BLAY] Simply put it means when two legs are joined together in the air. It is when the dancer shoots one leg up into the air and then jumps the second leg to join the two legs together in the air. Usually the dancer will land in fifth position of plie after the jump. Attitude [a-tee-TEWD] It is a standing position on one leg with the other leg lifted in the front or the back with the knee bent at an angle of 90 degrees and well turned out so that the knee is higher than the foot. The supporting foot may be à terre, sur la pointe or sur la demi-pointe. The arm on the side of the raised leg is held over the head in a curved position while the other arm is extended to the side. Avant, en [ah na-VAHN] Avant means to the front or Forward. A direction for the execution of a step. Used to indicate that a given step is executed moving forward, toward the audience.

Balancé [ba-lahn-SAY] It is a step that rocks or swings from foot to foot. The dancer will alternate their weight from foot to foot in this movement. Ballerina [bahl-lay-REE-rlah (Italian)] It used to mean the principal female dancer in a ballet company. In the days of the Russian Imperial Theatres the title was given to the outstanding soloists who danced the chief classical roles. Nowdays this term simply means a female ballet dancer. The leading female dancer will usually be referred to as “principal dancer” these days. Ballet foot positions The 5 main foot positions in Ballet including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th positions. Each position is different and is required for specific movements. Watch video: 5 Ballet Foot Positions (2 Videos) Ballet master, ballet mistress The person in a ballet company whose duty is to give the daily company class and to rehearse the ballets in the company repertoire. They are part of “staff” and work together with dancers and with directors. Balletomane A ballet fan. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century. Someone who adores Ballet.

Ballon [ba-LAWN] Ballon means “to bounce”. The dancer must demonstrate a jump with ease and lightness. After the jump, the dancer would pause mid air for a moment and then softly descend with ease. Barre [bar] The horizontal wooden bar attached to the walls of the ballet classroom which the dancer holds for support. Every ballet class begins with exercises at the bar. Battement [bat-MAHN] Means “beating”. There are two types of battements, grands battements and petits battements. It is when a dancer extends his/her leg to the front, back or side. Battement dégagé [bat-MAHN day-ga-ZHAY] Means disengaged battement. A term from the Cecchetti method. The battement dégagé is like the battement tendu but is done at twice the speed and the working foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe. Battement fondu développé [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW] It means “battement sinking down”. During a battement fondu, a dancer’s standing leg is slowly bent in fondu with the working foot pointing on the ankle.

As the dancer’s standing leg straightens, the working leg also extends to a straight position in the air or with the toes on the floor. Battement développé [bat-MAHN dayv-law-PAY] “Battement developed”. It is when the dancer developes their leg to the front, back or side from fifth position. Battement frappé [bat-MAHN fra-PAY] A movement in which the dancer quickly extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back. This exercise strengthens the toes and thighs and develops the power of elevation. Battement petit [puh-TEE bat-MAHN] Small battement on the ankle. An exercise where one leg is extended and moved forward and backward from the ankle of the standing/supporting leg. Battement tendu [bat-MAHN tahn-DEW] Means “Battement stretched”. It is where one leg is extended until the point of the stretched foot barely touches the ground. Both knees must be kept straight. When the foot reaches the position pointe tendue, it then returns to the first or fifth position. They can be done in demi-plié in the first or fifth position.

Watch video: How to do a Tendu in Ballet Battement, grand [grahn bat-MAHN] Means “Large battement”. A movement in which the leg is lifted to hip level or higher and held straight. This must be done with ease to give the feeling of effortlessness. The function of grands battements is to loosen the hip joints and turn out the legs from the hips. Watch video: Grand Battement Video Battu [ba-TEW] means “Beaten”. When a step requires the striking of the legs together. As, for example, in jeté battu. Bras [brah] Means “Arms”. Bras bas [brah bah] Means “low” or “down”. Indicates to the dancer to lower their arms down. This is the dancer’s resting position or beginning position. Brisé [bree-ZAY] Means “Broken, breaking”. It is a jump and the working leg brushes to the second position and meets the other leg in front of or behind in the air. Finally both feet land in fifth position. This is similar to an assemblé but with traveling.

Brisé volé [bree-ZAY vaw-LAY] Means “Flying brisé”. In this brisé the dancer finishes on one foot after the beat, the other leg crossed either front or back. Cavalier The male partner of the female ballerina. Choreographer, choregrapher This is the dance term applied to the person who composes or invents ballets or dances. Corps de ballet [kawr duh ba-LAY] This Ballet term refers to those ballet dancers who dance as a group (not as soloists). Cabriole [ka-bree-AWL] A jump. The working leg swings into the air as the supporting leg pushes off the ground and beats against the first leg. Finally the dancer lands on the standing leg. Cabrioles are divided into two categories: petite, which are executed at 45 degrees, and grande, which are executed at 90 degrees. Cecchetti method Enrico Cecchett was one of the world’s outstanding teachers of ballet. He founded a program of strict routine that included daily exercises for each day of the week to work on the technique of classical Ballet.

The Cecchetti Society was formed in London in 1922 to perpetuate his method of teaching. Center practice The “Center” is a classical ballet term which typically refers to the portion of class where the exercises are done away from the barre and in the center of the room. The exercises performed are similar to the ones done at the barre but also include more advanced steps because there is more space. Chaînés [sheh-NAY] Means “Chains, links”. This is the most simple term for “turns”. The dancer performs a series of traveling turns by quick steps that involve alternating feet. Changement [shahnzh-MAHN] Means “Change of feet”. After a jump, the dancer will change feet in the air and alighting in the fifth position with the opposite foot in the front. They are done petit and grand. Chassé [sha-SAY] Means “to chase”. It is where one foot extends out in front and then the back foot chases the front foot and very quickly the front foot shoots out again forward. They are usually done in series. Cinq [senk] Means “five”. Not a Ballet step.

It is used to indicate the number of repetitions a dancer must perform. Coda It means the final section of a ballet. And has two meanings: (1) The finale of a classical ballet in which all the principal dancers perform with their partners. (2) The final dance of the classic pas de deux, pas de trois or pas de quatre. Corps [kawr] Simple means “Body” in french. Côté, de [duh koh-TAY] Means “Sideways”. Used to indicate that a step is to be made to the side, either to the right or to the left. Cou-de-pied, sur le [sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY] On the “Neck” of the foot. The working foot is placed on the part of the leg between the base of the calf and the beginning of the ankle. Coupé jeté en tournant [koo-PAY zhuh-TAY ahn toor-NAHN] It is basically a split jeté with a turn in between. Couru [koo-REW] Means “Running”. Done or executed with a running step.

Croisé, croisée [kmJah-ZAY] Means “Crossed”. It indicates one of the directions of the shoulders. A Croise position is where it looks crossed from the audience perspective. Danse [dahnss] Danse de caractère [dahnss duh ka-rak-TEHR] Dance of character. Any national, cultural or folk dance. Dedans, en [ahn duh-DAHN] Means “Inward”. The term “inward” is always attached to another Ballet term to describe the direction it should move. Dehors, en [ahn duh-AWR] Means “Outward”. It is a word attached to another term to describe which way the step should go. Demi-plié [duh-MEE-plee-AY] Means “Half-bend of the knees”. It is half of a Plie (See plie). It is a graceful bending of the knees while externally turning out the feet and hips. Both feet stay on the floor the entire time during demi-plie.

Demi-pointes, sur les [sewr lay duh-mee-PWENT] Indicates that the dancer is to stand high on the balls of the feet and under part of the toes. Derrière [deh-RYEHR] Means “Behind, back”. This term may refer to a movement, position or direction for another step or term. Dessous [duh-SOO] Means “Under”. Indicates that the arm or leg should pass behind the other. Dessus [duh-SEW] Means “Over”. Indicates that the working foot passes in front of the supporting foot. As, for example, in pas de bourrée dessus. Deux [duh] Means “Second”. Devant [duh-VAHN] Means “In front”. This term is used to describe a step, movement or direction of another term. Développé [tahn dayv-law-PAY] Means “developing movement”. A développé is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the standing leg and slowly extended (develops) to an open position in the air with control. It requires great balance and strong center!

Diagonale, en [ahn dya-gaw-NAL] Means “In a diagonal” direction. Indicates that a step/movement is to be done traveling in a diagonal direction. Divertissement [dee-vehr-tees-MAHNLAY] Means “Diversion, enjoyment”. Pieces of Ballet choreography called “entrées,” inserted into a classic ballet. These short dances are calculated to display the talents of individuals or groups of dancers. They are meant to add more dances to a full production ballet. Double [DOO-bluh] Means “Double”. As, for example, describing the number of pirouettes (a double pirouette). Écarté [ay-har-TAY] Means “Separated, thrown wide apart”. Écarté is one of the eight directions of the body, Cecchetti method. Facing any corner, the leg nearer to the audience becomes the working leg and is extended in second position, pointing on tendú to the side. The arms are in fourth position. The head is raised slighlty and turned toward the raised arm, so the eyes look into the hand. Échappé [ay-sha-PAY] Means “Escaping or slipping movement”.

A dancer does an échappé with their legs and feet. Starting in closed position and progressing to open position. For example, starting in a closed position, usually fifth position with the feet, the dancer slides both feet out equally into either second or fourth position. Effacé, effacée [eh-fa-SAY] Means “Shaded”. One of the directions of shoulders in which the dancer stands at an angle to the audience so that a part of the body is taken back and almost hidden from view. In the feet it is a position in which the legs are open and “uncrossed” (opposite of croise). Élévation [ay-lay-va-SYAWN] Élévation refers to the height or depth of a dancer’s jump or leg extension in relation to the standing leg . It is a term used to describe the height attained in springing steps such as entrechats, grands jetés and others. Entrechat [ahn-truh-SHAH] Means “Interweaving or braiding”. A step of beating in which the dancer jumps into the air and rapidly crosses the legs before and behind each other.

Épaulement [ay-pohl-MAHN]] Means “position of shoulders” or the placing of the shoulders in relation to the lower body. The dancer will twist their torso from the waist upward so that one shoulder has now moved forward and the other back. The head is then slightly inclined over the front shoulder. The two fundamental positions of épaulement are croisé and effacé. Extension [eks-tahn-SYAWN] This Ballet term used to describe the ability of a dancer to raise and hold her extended leg in the air. It takes a lot of balance, alignment, flexibility and strength to have proper and high extension. The dancer must not raise their hip in order to get the leg higher. Face, en [ahn fahss] Means “Facing the audience”. Fish dive Fish or fish dives are seen quite often in classical partnering and pas de deuxes. It is considered an intermediate partnering step where the man holds the ballerina’s waist and under the thigh of the arabesque leg, then lifts and bends his back leg into the fish position. Fondu, fondue [fawn-DEW] Means “Melting or Sinking down”. It describes the gradual bending the knee of the supporting leg.

It is the same as a plie, but Fondu means you do the plie on only one leg. Watch video: Fondu Demonstration videos Fouetté [fweh-TAY] Means “Whipped”. It usually describes the quick whipping action of a dancer’s leg or body. The movement may be a short whipped movement of the raised foot as it passes rapidly in front of or behind the supporting foot or the sharp whipping around of the body from one direction to another. There is a great variety of fouettés. Fouetté rond de jambe en tournant [fweh-TAY rawn duh zhahnb ahn toor-NAHN] Also called “Fouetté turns” It is a whipped circle of turning on one leg. This fouetté may be done on demi-pointe, on point or with a jump. It is when the dancer does a pirouette, then a plie of the standing leg, followed by an extension of the free leg into rond de jambes in the air. These Fouettés are usually done in a series. They may be executed inward or outward. French School The French School of ballet began in the court ceremonies of the French monarchs.

Louis XIV studied with the famous ballet master Pierre Beauchamp and established the first academy of dancing, known as the Académie Royale de Musique et de Danse, in Paris in 1661. The French School was known for its elegant, graceful movements rather than technical execution. Its influence spread throughout Europe and is the basis of all ballet training. Gateway This is a position of the arms in which the arms are held rounded in front of the body with the fingertips on a level with the bottom of the breastbone. Glissade [glee-SAD] Means “Glide”. It is an in-between step. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position to the side, then the other foot closes to it in fifth position. You would start by jumping up first and then moving to the side after. Grand, grande [grahn, grahnd] Means “Big, large”. As, for example, grand plie or grand battement. Jambe [zhahnb] Means “Leg”. Jeté [zhuh-TAY] Indicates Throwing of a step. it is a forceful “throwing” of the leg.

Starts like tendu and then the leg is thrown up slightly into the air. Jeté battu [zhuh-TAY ba-TEW] Jeté beaten. It describes a petit jeté that is beaten with straight legs before landing in cou-de-pied position. Jeté entrelacé [zhuh-TAY ahn-truh-la-SAY] Means “Jeté interlaced”. This jeté is done in all directions. It describes a step where the dancer extends one leg into their air wile jumping, then meeting the other leg in the air, and then turning and landing in arabesque position at the end. Jeté, grand [grahn zhuh-TAV] Means “Large jeté”. It indicates a big leap. When you jump you shoot out the front leg to the front and and the back leg back. You legs have to be full extended and the toes have to point. The arms can be up in fifth position or in fourth position. Jeté, petit [puh-TEE zhuh-TAY] Means “Small jeté”.

From a demi-plié in the fifth position, then brush the working foot out into the air, jump getting both legs straight, and come down on the working leg in front. Leotard [lee-o-tard] It is the most basic outfit that girls and women wear to practice and learn Ballet. It covers the entire torso and has straps around the shoulders. There are almost countless varieties, designs, fabric choices, colors and designs for leotards today. Leçon [luh-SAWN] Means “Lesson”. It is the daily dance classes that Ballet dancers take in order to improve their skill and level. Ligne [LEEN-yuh] Means “Line”. It is the outline of the dancers’ body pose or position. Dancers constantly try to achieve the “good line” in their dancing. It is the overall look from toes to arms and the head. Manèges [ma-NEZH] Means “Circular”. A term applied to Ballet moves that are to be done in a circular movement. Mazurka or mazurek A famous Polish folk dance in 3/4 time which has been introduced into a number of ballets as a character dance. Neuf [nuhf] Means “Nine”.

Ouvert, ouverte [oo-VEHR, oo-VEHRT] Means “Open, opened”. This may refer to positions, limbs, directions, or certain exercises or steps. It is another way to describe a step is done effacé and is the opposite of a step done croisé. Pas [pah] Means “Step”. Refers to a step that requires a transfer of weight. “Pas” also refers to a dance executed by a soloist (pas seul), a duet (pas de deux). Pas de bourrée [pah duh boo-RAY] Bourrée step. It is a step that cossists of back, side, and front steps. Starts with plie in coupe position, then releve’ to second position with your legs out. And then, you’re going to cross forward and go back to that coupe position of the feet. Pas de bourrée couru [pah duh boo-RAY koo-REW] Means “running”. Starts with demi-pointes by a series of small, even steps with the feet close together. It may be done in all directions or in a circle.

Pas de chat [pah duh shah] Means “Cat’s-step”. It is a step resembling how a cat jumps. First one foot jumps up and then the other one immediately follows into a jump as well. For a moment both legs in the air are in passés before coming down. Pas de deux, grand [grahn pah duh duh] Means “Grand dance for two”. It describes that a dance has two dancers – meaning a partner dance. Famous Pas de deux dances include Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Pas de quatre [pah duh KA-truh] Means “A dance for four”. It is when 4 dancers perform a dance together (similar to ‘Pas de deux’ above) . One of the most famous pas de quatre in ballet was the dance of the four little swans in Swan Lake. Pas de trois [pah duh trwah] Means “A dance for three”. Similar to the above terms, but this has 3 dancers. Pas de valse [pah duh valss] Means “Waltz step”. It represents the 1,2,3 timing of a Waltz with quick weight changes.

Done with a graceful swaying of the body with various arm movements. Pas marché [pah mar-SHAY] Means “Marching step”. This is the classical walk of the ballerina. Penché, penchée [pahn-SHAY] Means “Leaning, inclining”. As, for example, in arabesque penchée. Petit, petite [puh-TEE, puh-TEET] Means “Little, small”. For example, petit battement, Petit jeté, petit allegro, etc… Pieds, cinq positions des [sen paw-zee-SYAWN day pyay] Refers to the five positions of the feet. There are five basic positions of the feet in classical ballet, and every step or movement is begun and ended in one or another of these positions. Piqué [pee-KAY] Means “Pricked or pricking”. It is a term used to describe other ballet terms. For example, in piqué en arabesque, piqué développé and so on. Pirouette [peer-WET] Means “spin”. A complete turn made one foot while the other foot is normally in Passe position. the spins could go in any direction.

There is a strong emphasize on keeping the “center” aligned properly in order to do the pirouette. Pirouette à la seconde, grande [grahrul peer-WET a lah suh-GAWND] Refers to a large pirouette in second position. This pirouette is usually performed by male dancers. It is a series of turns on one foot with the free leg raised to the second position in the air at 90 degrees. Plié [plee-AY] Means “Bent, bending”. One of the most famous moves in Ballet. It refers to the bending of the knee or knees with strong turn out from feet, knees and hips. They are typically done in 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th positions in classical ballet, both at the barre and center in classes. Watch video: How to do Plies (Demi & Grand) Pointes, sur les [sewr lay pwent] Means “On the points”. It is when a dancer dances on her toes. A dancer starts to dance on point only when they have achieved a certain level of proficiency.

Pointe shoes Pointe shoes are the satin ballet shoes used by dancers when dancing on point (see above term). Poisson [pwa-SAWN] Means “Fish”. This pose is taken while jumping into the air with the body arched to one side and the feet crossed in fifth position. Polonaise Dance that is performed in 3/4 time with which the court ballets of the seventeenth century were opened. It may be seen today in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Port de bras [pawr duh brah] Means “movement of the arms”. A movement or series of movements made by passing the arm or arms through various positions. Usually there are many exercises to help dancers master graceful arm movements. For example, if a ballerina moves her arms from first position to fifth position, that is considered a port de bras. Porté, portée [pawr-TAY] Means “Carried”. Refers either to a step which is traveled in the air from one spot to another. Premier, première [pruh-MYAY, pruh-MYEHR] Means “First”.

Promenade, tour de [toor duh prawm-NAD] Means “Turn in a walk”. A promenade is when a dancer turns around on one leg with the standing leg’s heel on the floor, while the other leg is in a position such as an arabesque or attitude derriere. Quatre [KA-truh] Means “Fourth”. Relevé [ruhl-VAY] Means “rising”. It is the rising on the toes or the balls of feet (on point or demi pointe). Relevé may be done in the first, second, fourth or fifth position and many other positions. Releves can be done very quickly with sharp springs or with slow graceful style. Retiré [ruh-tee-RAY] Means “Withdrawn”. A position in which the dancer stands on one foot and lifts the other foot up in the air and bring it to touch the standing leg with the toes. This foot is turned out and usually around the hip level. Rise This is a smooth relevé from a position à terre through all the levels of the foot (quarter-point, half-point and three-quarter point). The toes do not move from the spot at which the rise began.

Rolling Dancers “roll” in or out using their ankles instead of getting the turn out from the hips. This is usually what dancers need to avoid. Ront de jambe [rawn duh zhahnb] It is the circle of the leg. Ronds de jambe are used as an exercise at the bar and in the center. It is when the weight is on one leg and the working leg makes a circle inward or outward. Rond de jambe à terre [rawn duh zhahnb a tehr] Rond de jambe on the ground. It is where one leg makes circular movements while connected to the ground. Both legs must be kept perfectly straight and all movement must come from the hip, along with the arching and relaxing of the instep. The toe of the working leg is connected to the floor at all times. Rond de jambe en l’air [rawn duh zhahnb ahn lehr] Rond de jambe in the air. Ronds de jambe in the air is when the working leg does the circular movement but in the air. Sauté, sautée [soh-TAY] Means “Jumped, jumping”.

It is used with other Ballet terms to signify that the step must be done with a jump. For example, Sauté arabesque means “jump in arabesque position”. Seconde, à la [ah la suh-GAWND] Means “To the second”. A term that means that the certain move is done in or from the second position of the feet. Sept [set] Means “Seven”. Sickling This is when a dancer tries to turn out or point his/her foot from the ankle at a bad angle that breaks the line. Should be avoided! Sissonne fermée [see-SAWN fehr-MAY] It is a jump done sideways or forward/back. It is when the dancer jumps with both feet in the air and then lands in fifth position. Six [seess] It is the leg that the dancer has their weight on or “stands” on. Temps lié sur les pointes [tahn Iyay sewr lay pwent] Movement on the points. Means that the move is done on the ground. Tour de force [toor duh fawrss] A brilliant performance that was achieved with great technical skill.

Tour en l’air [toor ahn lehr] Means “Turn in the air”. lt is a turn where the dancer jumps straight into the air from a demi-plié, makes a complete turn and lands in the fifth position with the feet in reverse position. The turn may be single, double or triple according to the ability of the dancer. Tournant, en [ahn toor-NAHN] Means “Turning”. Indicates that the body should turn during a particular step or movement. Trois [trwah] Three. As, for example, in entrechat trois. Troisième [trwah-ZYEM] Means “Third”. Turn-out This is the ability of the dancer to turn out his/her feet from the hip. Essential for Ballet dancing. Tutu [tew-TEW] This is the short classical ballet skirt. Variation [va-rya-SYAWN] Means “Variation”. A solo dance in a classic ballet. Virtuoso A dancer with great technical ability and skill. Working leg The “working leg” Ballet term refers to the free leg that is moving or in motion. It is the opposite of the “supporting leg” which has the weight on it.

Other dance forms: Ballet Academy of Warrenton Virginia Dictionary of Ballet Terms 540-347-4011 extension of arms in arabesque Arabesque, standing on one leg with raised leg extended in straight line to rear and foot pointed (4 positions used) Arriï¿½re, en backwards; shows a step is executed moving away from the audience Assemblï¿½ rising off floor, on one leg and landing on two (straightening both legs in air) and returning to fifth position Attitude a position on one leg with the other lifted in back, the knee bent at an angle of 90 degrees and well turned out so that the knee is higher than the foot Avant, en a given step is executed moving forward, toward the audience Balancï¿½ a rocking step; an alternation of balance, shifting the weight from one foot to the other Ballerina usually the principal female dancer in a ballet company Ballet A theatrical work or entertainment in which a choreographer has expressed his ideas in group and solo dancing to a musical accompaniment with appropriate costumes, scenery and lighting.

ballet d'action ballet that tells a story, many times tragic Ballet master, ballet mistress person in a ballet company whose duty is to give the daily company class and to rehearse the ballets in the company repertoire Balletomane A ballet fan or enthusiast. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century.

Ballon the light, elastic quality in jumping in which the dancer bounds up from the floor, pauses a moment in the air and descends lightly and softly, only to rebound in the air like the smooth bouncing of a ball ballonne' broad leap with battement kick Ballonnï¿½, pas step in which the dancer springs into the air extending one leg to the front, side or back and lands with the extended leg either sur le cou-de-pied or retir ï¿½ Ballottï¿½ step consists of coupï¿½ dessous and coupï¿½ dessus performed in a series with a rocking, swinging movement - ballottï¿½ is performed traveling forward on ballottï¿½ en avant and backward on ballottï¿½ en arriï¿½re to the place from which the first jump began Barre horizontal bar opposite mirrors and along a wall in studio for class exercises - where every class begins exercises Battement high or low kick: grand battement or petit battement Battement fondu dï¿½veloppï¿½ exercise in which the supporting leg is slowly bent in fondu with the working foot pointing on the ankle.

As the supporting leg is straightened, the working leg unfolds and is extended to point on the floor or in the air Battement frappï¿½ exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back. This exercise strengthens the toes and insteps and develops the power of elevation Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit an exercise at the bar in which the working foot is held sur le cou-de-pied and the lower part of the leg moves out and in, changing the foot from sur le cou-de-pied devant to sur le cou-de-pied derriï¿½re and vice versa Battement tendu the working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground. Both knees must be kept straight. When the foot reaches the position pointe tendue, it then returns to the first or fifth position Battement, grand exercise in which the working leg is raised from the hip into the air and brought down again, the accent being on the downward movement, both knees straight Batterie beating together of feet or legs, esp.

in midair Battu beaten - any step embellished with a beat is called a pas battu. As, for example, in jetï¿½ battu Bourre'e traveling movement with feet moving in tine steps from tight fifth position Bras arms Bras bas arms low or down - This is the dancer's "attention." The arms form a circle with the palms facing each other and the back edge of the hands resting on the thighs. The arms should hang quite loosely but not allowing the elbows to touch the sides Bras, positions des Appendix:Glossary of ballet - Wiktionary Appendix:Glossary of ballet Jump to: navigation , search This is a glossary of ballet dancing. A significant part of ballet terminology is descendent from the French language. Contents: adage (French), adagio (Italian) At ease or leisure. English ballet teachers use "adage", the French adaptation, while Americans prefer the original Italian. Adagio is the opening section of the conventional "Pas de deux". [1] An adagio is a slow ballet combination. focusing on high extentions and body control.

arabesque (Literally: 'in Arabic fashion') The position of the body supported on one leg with the opposite leg (with the knee straight) extended behind the body. The back leg may either touch the floor (in tendu) or be raised in the air at an angle upper back up and not fallen forward. See also: Attitude . assemblé Literally meaning to assemble, a movement where the first foot performs a battement glissé/degagé, "swishing" out. The second foot then swishes under the first foot, thereby launching the dancer into a jump. The feet meet together in mid-air and the dancer lands with both feet on the floor at the same time. A jump: plié, brushing working leg out. Bring both legs together ("assemble" them) while in midair; land on both feet. The brush can be to the front, the side, or the back. Sometimes known as a double changement. Dancemelody.com - Assemblé. Illustrated Ballet Dictionary. Photos and Pictures.

attitude A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other leg lifted behind (derriere) or in front (en avant) of the body with the knee bent at approximately 120-degree angle. See also: arabesque . Leave the foot off the ground only lightly so you can lift your foot off easier. ballon A term used to describe the quality of a dancer's jumps. Ballet dancers aspire to develop great ballon, which is that quality of appearing to "hover" in the air at the apex of the jump. Ballon is not to be confused with elevation, or the height of the jump. Even in small, quick jumps ("petit allegro"), dancers strive to exhibit ballon. battement This is a kicking movement of the working leg (i.e. the leg that is performing a technique) battement tendu jeté (Russian school) is a battement normally taken to anywhere from 2 cm off the floor up to 45 degrees, depending on the style. It is the same as battement dégagé (Cecchetti) or battement glissé (French school).

battement fondu is a battement (usually slower) from a fondu (both knees bent) position and extends until both legs are straight. battement frappé is a battement where the foot moves from a flexed position next to the other ankle, and extends out to a straight position, by doing so hitting the floor (the so-called frappé). In the Russian school the foot is wrapped around the ankle, rather than flexed and does not strike the floor. battement glissé is a rapid battement normally taken to 2-3 centimeters off the floor (literally means a gliding battement). See battement tendu jeté. battement lent a slow battement, normally taken as high as possible, which involves considerable control and strength. battement tendu is a battement where the extended foot never leaves the floor. The working foot slides forward or sideways from the fifth or first position to reach the forth or second position, lifting the heel off the floor and stretching the instep. It forms the preparation for many other positions, such as the ronds de jambe and pirouette positions.

petit battement, a battement action where the bending action is at the knee, while the upper leg and thigh remain still. grande battement, a powerful battement action where the dancer takes the leg as high as they can, while the supporting leg remains straight. grande battement en cloche, a grande battement which continuously "swishes" forwards and backwards (literally in large battement with pendulum movement)It still has to turn out in ballet unless the instructor prefers not for you to turn-out. batterie A whole family of techniques involving jumps, where the feet cross quickly in front and behind each other, creating a flapping or "beating" effect mid-air. 'Also called beats in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus.' Usually start to do these in grade 4. chaînés This is a common abbreviation for "tours chaînés déboulés", which is a series of quick turns on alternating feet with progression along a straight line or circle. They are also know as "chaine turnes." In classical ballet it is done on the pointes or demi-pointes (on the balls of the feet). changement Literal meaning: changing, or, to change.

A jump in which the feet change positions in the air. For example, beginning in the fifth position with the right foot front, plié and jump, switching the left foot into the front and the right to the back, landing with the left foot in front, fifth position. chassé Literal meaning: to chase or to hunt. A slide with both legs bent either forwards, backwards or sideways and meeting in the air straightened. It can be done either in a gallop (like children pretending to ride a horse) or by pushing the first foot along the floor in a plie' and springing into the air where both legs meet stretched. croisé , croisée Crossed. One of the directions of épaulement. The crossing of the legs with the body placed at an oblique angle to the audience. The disengaged leg may be crossed in the front or in the back. Croisé is used in the third, fourth and fifth positions of the legs (the positions that can be crossed).

For example: if the front leg in third, fourth or fifth position is the right leg, and the dancer is facing the front-left corner of the stage; or if the front leg is the left, and the dancer is facing the front-right corner, then the dancer is in croisé. effacé , effacée Shaded. The opposite position of croise. One of the directions of épaulement in which the dancer stands at an oblique angle to the audience so that a part of the body is taken back and almost hidden from view. This direction is termed "ouvert" in the French method. Effacé is also used to qualify a pose in which the legs are open (not crossed). This pose may be taken devant or derrière, either à terre or en l'air. Example: If the the front leg is the right, and the dancer is facing the front-right corner of the stage, or if the front leg is the left and he is facing the front-left corner, he is in efface. en dedans A movement within a circle. En dedans is when the leg starts at the back (or the side) and moves towards the front.

When the right leg is the working leg, this is a counter-clockwise circle. When the left leg is the working leg, this is a clockwise circle. En dehors is the opposite to en dedans. entrechat Interweaving or braiding. A step of beating in which the dancer jumps into the air and rapidly crosses the legs before and behind each other, usually jumping from the fifth position and landing back in the fifth position. Entrechats are counted from two to ten according to the number of crossings required and counting each crossing as two movements, one by each leg; that is, in an entrechat quatre each leg makes two distinct movements. Entrechats are divided into two general classes: the even-numbered entrechats, or those which land on two feet-- deux, quatre, six, huit and dix-- and the odd-numbered entrechats, or those which land on one foot-- trois, cinq, sept and neuf. For example: in an Entrecht-quatre, the dancer will jump from the fifth position, crossing his legs twice, landing in the same position he started.

fouetté en tournant The famous 32 fouettés that mark a virtuosic high point in Swan Lake and other ballets are actually fouettés en tournant (turning), where it is the working leg, not the torso, that does the whipping movement. Each fouetté involves the dancer standing momentarily on flat foot with the supporting knee bent as the other ('working') leg is extended in front then whipped round to the side, creating the impetus to spin one turn as the working foot is then pulled in to touch the supporting knee and the dancer executes a relevé, jumping onto pointe. Done 32 times in sequence without touching the working leg to the ground (or falling over, 'travelling' off the stage, etc.) is a bravura performance designed to express the strength, triumph and indomitability of the character. And, of course, show of the technical brilliance of the ballerina. Male dancers do a variant usually keeping the leg out - they're not en pointe. glissade Literally, to glide.

This is a traveling step starting in a fifth position demi-plie, in which the working foot moves out to a point, both legs briefly straighten as weight is shifted toward the pointed foot, and the other foot moves in to meet the first. The movement may also be done sur les pointes. grand plié A full plie, or bending of the knees is similar to a deep knee bend but turned or rotated out and rather than dropping below the knees you stretch the thighs by gently forcing the knees down while the heels come off of the floor (except for second position where the heels are kept on the floor) and returning to a straightened positions by pressing the heels to the floor as you straighten the knees. grand jeté A grand jeté is a long horizontal jump, starting from one leg and landing on the other. It is most often done forward and usually involves a split in mid-air (also called grand écart en l'air). It is referred to in some schools as a Saut de chat, or "Grand Pas de Chat". partnering For a male dancer, this includes lifting, catching and carrying a partner, also assisting with leaps, promenades and suppported pirouettes.

For a female dancer, it includes being lifted, carried, and being assisted with or caught after leaps.In general it is an effort by both the male and female dancers to achieve a harmony of movement so that the audience is unaware of the mechanics but just the effect which can be both physical and emotional. Also known as a pas de deux (dance for two). pas Literally, movement or a step. In ballet, a Pas often refers to a combination of steps which make up a dance (typically, in dance forms such as jazz, hip-hop, tap, etc., this is called a routine). Pas is often used as a generic term when referring to a particular suite of dances, i.e. Pas de deux, Grand Ballabile, etc., and may also refer to a variation. The use of the word Pas when referring to a combnation of steps which make up a dance, is used mostly in Russia, and parts of eastern Europe, while in english speaking counties the word combination often suffices. pas de chat - "step of the cat". This involves the dancer jumping sideways, and whilst in mid-air, bending both legs back up to touch the top of their buttocks while the knees are apart.

The position sustained in mid-air is similar to the "butterfly" stretching position. The Dance of the Cygnets from Swan Lake involves sixteen pas de chat, performed by four dancers holding hands with their arms interlaced. pas de basque - a grand movement ("step of the Basques") which is halfway between a step and a leap, and can be taken strictly on the floor (glissé) or with a jump (sauté)and can be done moving toward the front or toward the back. pas de bourrée - three quick steps, when done to the a la seconde the feet usually switch derrier positions (right left right). pas de cheval- (literally: step of the horse) where the dancer does a coupé then a small developpé and tendus back into starting position. pas de poisson- (literally: step of the fish) requires the dancer to begin from two feet in fifth position, and jump, arching the back with the legs straightened behind, so that the body resembles a fish jumping out of water. This position may also be used in partnering work. pas de valse - waltz step.

A travelling step done to music in 3/4 time, which can be done either straight or turning (en tournant). passé The movement, passé, usually refers to the working foot passing close to the knee of the standing leg and can be done by the front or back foot withdrawing from the floor, as in fifth position, and performing the retiré movement(this movement is literally the 'withdrawing') and when the foot arrives by the knee of the standing leg it passes and continues its movement either to return to the floor by sliding down the back (or front depending on where it started the movement) of the standing leg or into an arabesque or attitude or variations thereof depending if the passé foot is coming from the back or front. The term, passé, has also come into popular usage for the position in which the foot is placed near or on the knee. rond de jambe Literally: circles of the leg. rond de jambe à terreis a rond de jambe on the ground.

The moving leg describes a semicircle on the floor, either from front to back (rond de jambe en dehors) or from back to front (rond de jambe en dedans), between degage positions front and back, passing through first position as the foot comes to through the centre of the circle. rond de jambe en l'air is rond de jambe in the air. It can also be en dedans and en dehors. The movement is only below the knee of the working leg. It can be done in two positions of the working leg at 90° and at 45°. If the thigh of the working leg is horizontal, the toe of the working leg draws an oval approximately between the knee of the support leg and the second position in the air. If the thigh of the working leg is semi-elevated (demi-position), then the working oval is to the calf of the support knee. grand rond de jambe is a rond de jambe where the leg is sustained at grand battement height. demi grand rond de jambe is a rond de jambe where the leg is sustained at a lower height than a grand battement, usually 90°.

This is the French word for a jump. Sautés include: Petits sautés - these are small jumps where the feet don't change positions mid-air. Echappés sautés - (literally a ripping jump) these are jumps where the legs jump up together, but split apart mid-air and land in second position. Changements - these are sautés where the feet change position, i.e. front and back feet swap, whilst still very close together, mid air. Entrechats quatres - this is like a changement but involves a rapid beating of the feet, where the front leg moves to the back and then moves back to the front, creating a rapid, blurring effect of the feet mid-air. third position See Positions . This is similar to Fifth position , however the legs are allowed more room; i.e. they do not overlap totally. It is sometimes regarded as an 'introductory' fifth position for beginners before they develop the turn-out required for a proper fifth position. Instead of the heel being placed at the toe of the other foot, the heel is placed at the arch of the other foot. One arm is extended laterally while the other forms a half arc above the head.

tours en l'air This is where the dancer jumps into the air, and whilst in the air, performs a rotation, landing in fith position. A single tour is a 360° rotation, and a double; 720°. This is a grand movement, normally performed only by male dancers. It can finish on one leg with the other extended in attitude or arabesque, or to one knee as done at the end of some variations. Vaslav Nijinsky was known to perform triple tours en l'air. turnout Turnout is a rotation of the leg which comes from the hips and the derriere, causing the legs to turn outwards, and the feet to turn outwards; this being a dancer's turnout. Turnout technique is used mainly in Classical Ballet, whereas Jazz Dance uses primarily the opposite "straight feet" techniques. On pointe - definition of on pointe by The Free Dictionary On pointe - definition of on pointe by The Free Dictionary In ballet, dancing that is performed on the tips of the toes.

[From French pointe (des pieds), point (of the feet), tiptoe; see point.] pointe (Ballet) ballet the tip of the toe (esp in the phrase on pointes) [from French: point] a ballet position with the body balanced on the extreme tip of the toe. [1820–30; < French: pointe (du pied) tiptoe, literally, extremity of the foot] pointe The extremity of the toe, or a point on the toe. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: fouetté References in periodicals archive ? The authors offer detailed information on pointe shoe anatomy and proper shoe care, as well as what to expect at an initial fitting. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only.

This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Pointe - definition of pointe by The Free Dictionary Pointe - definition of pointe by The Free Dictionary In ballet, dancing that is performed on the tips of the toes. [From French pointe (des pieds), point (of the feet), tiptoe; see point.] pointe (Ballet) ballet the tip of the toe (esp in the phrase on pointes) [from French: point] a ballet position with the body balanced on the extreme tip of the toe. [1820–30; < French: pointe (du pied) tiptoe, literally, extremity of the foot] pointe The extremity of the toe, or a point on the toe. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: fouetté References in classic literature ?

And though the answer meant nothing, the general looked as though he had heard a witty remark from a witty man, and fully relished la pointe de la sauce. Douglas Elliman awarded Club Pointe exclusive SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Planned Community Developers (PCD) is pleased to announce that Whole Foods Market(R), the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, will open a store in Lake Pointe Town Center, Sugar Land's premiere mixed-use planned development. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.

Question: What French term is used in ballet for dancing on the tip of the toe?
Answer: En Pointe